Can I play YouTube Music through Android Auto?
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a smartphone projection system developed by Google that allows you to access apps and services from an Android device on a car’s infotainment display. It was first announced in 2014 and launched in 2015 (source).
Android Auto enables drivers to use core apps including Google Maps, Google Assistant, phone functions, and media playback directly on the vehicle’s center screen. This allows for easier access to apps and functions while minimizing driver distraction (source).
For Android Auto to work, the vehicle must be compatible with it and have the Android Auto application installed. Many car manufacturers like GM, Ford, Honda, and Hyundai support Android Auto in certain vehicle models. Aftermarket stereos also allow adding Android Auto to older vehicles (source).
Is YouTube Music available on Android Auto?
YouTube Music can be used with Android Auto for hands-free listening while driving. Google has integrated YouTube Music into Android Auto, allowing access to your subscriptions, playlists, recently played songs, and more on your car’s display [1].
Availability of YouTube Music on Android Auto may depend on your region and app version. Make sure you have the latest YouTube Music app from the Play Store. YouTube Music support for Android Auto is rolling out globally [2].
Through Android Auto, you can access and control core YouTube Music playback functions like play/pause, skip track, playlists, queue, and search. It provides quick access to music on the go while keeping your eyes on the road.
How to play YouTube Music on Android Auto
To play YouTube Music through Android Auto, first ensure you have the latest versions of both the YouTube Music and Android Auto apps installed on your Android device (source: https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/9231765?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid). Then connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system using a compatible USB cable. This will launch Android Auto on your car’s display.
Once connected, open the YouTube Music app within Android Auto. You can launch it using voice commands like “Okay Google, play music on YouTube Music” or by selecting the YouTube Music icon on the Android Auto home screen. YouTube Music should now play through your car speakers. You can browse and play music from your library, playlists, albums and more.
Control playback using your car’s touch screen, steering wheel controls, or voice commands like “skip track” or “play hip hop playlist.” Make sure to keep your phone’s screen on and the YouTube Music app open for the best experience.
Playback features and controls
When using YouTube Music with Android Auto, you have access to many of the key playback features and controls available in the mobile app (https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/9231765?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid). This allows you to easily browse and play music hands-free while driving.
You can access your full library of playlists, stations, albums, songs and more. Simply say “Okay Google, play my favorites playlist” to start playback. Or browse recommendations and new releases directly on your car display.
Standard playback controls like play/pause, skip, thumbs up/down are available. You can also shuffle or repeat songs and playlists as needed. Using voice commands, you can say things like “Skip track”, “Play the next song”, or “I like this song” to manage playback.
Overall, the core YouTube Music experience translates well to Android Auto. Key functionality is retained while adapting the interface for safe, eyes-free use while driving.
Recommended Settings
To get the best experience using YouTube Music with Android Auto, there are some settings you may want to adjust in the Android Auto app:
First, make sure you have the latest version of the Android Auto app installed on your phone. Open the app settings and enable “Media audio” under “Phone media audio apps.” This will allow Android Auto to access your audio apps like YouTube Music.
You can also adjust the default music player under “Customize launcher.” Select YouTube Music as your preferred music app. Now when you ask Android Auto to play music, it will automatically launch YouTube Music without needing to specify the app name.
For highest quality audio streaming, go to the YouTube Music app settings and enable “High quality audio” under “Audio quality.” This will stream music at up to 256kbps which will sound better through your car’s speakers.
Finally, you can improve voice control accuracy by training Android Auto to recognize your voice better. Go to “Voice” in the Android Auto settings. Tap “Teach voice to recognize you” and follow the prompts to complete the voice training.
With these tweaks to the Android Auto settings, you’ll have a much better experience listening to your YouTube Music playlists, albums, and stations in the car.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/lj45nr/default_music_player_settings/
Limitations and issues
While YouTube Music can be used with Android Auto, there are some limitations to be aware of:
Certain YouTube Music features may not be available through Android Auto, such as video playback, comments, and playlists over 100 songs [1]. Playback is limited to audio only.
There can also be limitations based on your region and YouTube Music subscription type. For example, uploads and purchases may not be available in all areas [2].
Some users have reported playback issues like songs not loading fully or playlists not shuffling properly through Android Auto [3]. Troubleshooting tips include force stopping the YouTube Music app, clearing cache and data, uninstalling updates, or trying alternative music apps.
Alternative music apps
While YouTube Music is now the default music app for Android Auto, there are several other excellent music and audio apps that work well with Android Auto too:
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services and its Android app is fully compatible with Android Auto. Spotify offers access to over 80 million songs, custom playlists, podcasts, and more. The main advantage of Spotify is its music recommendation engine and large user base for sharing playlists. However, it does lack access to many official music videos and other video content. Read more at Android Authority.
Pandora has been a top internet radio service for years, known for its Music Genome Project and customized stations based on songs or artists you like. The Pandora app for Android Auto gives you easy access to all your customized stations. One downside is that Pandora still has audio ads for free users. Pandora Premium removes ads and lets you play any song on demand. Learn more at this Reddit thread.
Other music apps like Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, Audible, and TuneIn Radio are also compatible with Android Auto. Each service has its own strengths like podcasts, audiobooks, or talk radio. Overall, Android Auto supports most major audio apps, so you can likely access your music library and favorite stations.
Tips for using YouTube Music on Android Auto
Here are some tips for getting the best experience using YouTube Music with Android Auto:
For setup, make sure you have the latest version of both the YouTube Music and Android Auto apps. Sign into YouTube Music before connecting your phone to Android Auto. Also enable storage access for YouTube Music so it can cache playlists for offline playback.
Caching downloaded playlists from YouTube Music is recommended for a smooth listening experience in areas with poor cell reception. You can save playlists for offline listening in the YouTube Music app. Just tap the download icon next to a playlist or album.
Using voice commands with Android Auto is the easiest way to control playback. Try saying things like “Play my Downloaded Music playlist on YouTube Music” or “Pause the current song on YouTube Music”. Voice commands allow you to navigate YouTube Music without taking your hands off the wheel.
You can also use Google Assistant voice commands to search for and play any music, playlists, or artists on YouTube Music. Just say “Hey Google” to activate Assistant while using Android Auto.
Future improvements
There are several expected updates coming soon that should expand YouTube Music’s features and integration when used with Android Auto. According to 9to5google, Google has hinted at upgrades focused on voice commands via Google Assistant. This will likely allow more natural voice control of playback without repeated taps on the screen.
Additionally, the latest Android Auto update coming in 2023 (codenamed ‘Coolwalk’) promises expanded compatibility with more hardware and vehicle displays according to this video overview: ALL-NEW Android Auto 2023 Update!. The improved Android Auto platform aims to provide a more seamless YouTube Music experience across a wider range of vehicles and infotainment systems.
Overall, Android Auto users can expect YouTube Music’s capabilities and ease of use to grow substantially in the near future via Google’s major platform updates and focus on voice assistant integration.
Summary
To recap, YouTube Music can be used with Android Auto to access your personal playlists, recommendations, and other content while driving. By linking your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system, you can browse, play, pause, skip tracks, and control playback entirely hands-free.
The key advantages of using YouTube Music with Android Auto include:
- Access to millions of songs, albums, playlists and more without any ads
- Hands-free control for safety while driving
- Useful playback features like queue, radio mode, and Google Assistant voice commands
- Synced preferences, recommendations, and playlists from your YouTube Music account
If you run into any issues getting YouTube Music set up on Android Auto, first check for app updates on your phone and car system. You can also visit the Android Auto help center for troubleshooting tips and further assistance on optimizing the experience.